Subject: Guidelines on rebuking |
Bible Note: NATALYI "Judging someone to see where they're at in order to help them" is what kalos was originally talking about. This would fall into the category of "discernment." As you say, if you don't know where their troubles are, how can you meet them on their own level? We should be all things to all people, and that's an impossible thing without observation (i.e. judgement/discernment). As for talking to people about OTHER people's problems ... that's called gossip, otherwise known as "backbiting." Such a thing is in defiance of "love your neighbor as yourself," and Paul clearly tells us that backbiters will not inherit the kingdom of God. If you need to talk to a person directly about THEIR problem, just consider the simplicity of the situation. If someone is murdering, you tell them, "you are murdering. Stop." This is not "judgment." This is a fact. As you say, you'll know them by their fruits. The difference, I think, between statement and judgment is like the proverbial vine. You can't tell if the vine is good by looking at the vine. You can't see the sap. You have no idea how strong it really is. You know absolutely nothing until the vine brings forth fruit. Thus, you should not chop up the vine, assuming that it is no good. Once it bears fruit, you can see if the fruit is good. If it is not, you are not making a judgment on the vine to say, "It has brought forth bad fruit." Such a statement is simply that; a statement. Just remember that if you do all things with a spirit of love, you do well. Sometimes people will be offended when you try to help them. Do what you can, and otherwise pray. Theo-Minor |